Seattle Storm Cleanup: Plowing, Garbage Pickup, Shelter Updates

SEATTLE, WA - The worst is likely over. Now it's time to recover from days of nasty winter weather.

That was the message from Mayor Jenny Durkan and other city officials on Tuesday. Durkan said that the weather seen Monday night was probably the "roughest" so far, but now the city has to deal with cleanup amid melting snow, slush, and freezing temperatures.

Here's what city officials said Tuesday morning during a storm response update:

Sam Zimbabwe, SDOT: Plow crews are still working on main routes across the city and are "recovering" from heavy snow that fell Monday. After main routes are clear, plows will hit school bus drop-off and pickup sites. They will also help get King County Metro stops clear. Zimbabwe warned of freezing temperatures coming Tuesday night, which might make driving difficult as slush and snow turn to ice.

Seattle Public Utilities, Mami Hara: People who did not have their trash, recycling, and food waste picked up on Monday will be the priority. Trucks will get to those customers as soon as its's safe. There will be a delay for residents who get Tuesday and Friday pickup, but those customers will be allowed to drop off waste for free at city transfer stations between Feb. 13 and 16. Trash service will likely begin pickup serves at multifamily buildings on Tuesday. Hara also asked residents to help clear storm drains to prevent flooding. The region is under a small stream flood advisory until 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Human Services, Jason Johnson: Emergency shelters have served over 550 people since the storm began. Some shelters will be open throughout the week. Find an updated list on the Human Services blog.

Seattle Fire, Chief Harold Scoggins: The fire department is warning Seattle residents not to use outdoor heating sources indoors while the power is out. Scoggins also asked residents to refrain from clearing drain pipes because heavy snow can fall.

Seattle Parks and Recreation: Maintenance crews will be out clearing storm drains near parks. The department will also be watching for downed trees and landslides in city parks.

Seattle Public Libraries: Branches are working on a modified schedules:

• Central (downtown) Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ballard, Beacon Hill, Broadview, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, Greenwood, Lake City, Northeast, Northgate, Rainier Beach, Southwest, West Seattle: noon to 6 p.m.
• Delridge, Green Lake, High Point, International District/Chinatown, Magnolia, Montlake, NewHolly, Queen Anne, South Park, Wallingford: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fremont, Madrona-Sally Goldmark, University: Closed

Patch file photo/Neal McNamara